The best preventative and protective measure is to not be out alone on your own.When going out with friends, agree beforehand to look out for one another and keep an eye on each other. The following are a few key points you should agree on:

Arrive together, party together, leave together

When going out with friends, agree to arrive together and leave together. Look out for each other when you're at the party and don't lose sight of each other.

If one of you heads home before the rest, let the others know.

If you feel uncomfortable or unsafe at a party or at a club, it's better to leave.

Keep an eye on each other's drinks.

In case of emergency: get help

Look after your friend if suddenly she feels nauseous or dizzy. Don't leave her alone. The same goes for a case of sudden euphoria and disinhibition, or she seems unable to manage her own safety.

Call an ambulance immediately if your friend loses consciousness or is unresponsive.

Ask for support if it's too much for you to handle on your own. Alert staff andask them to call the emergency doctor. Do not leave your friend on her ownunder any circumstances.

Emergency numbers (112, and 110 for police) can be dialled from any mobile phone even if it's out of credit.

It doesn't hurt to ask

If at a party you notice somebody who seems disoriented and dazed, talk to him or her and ask if they're OK, who they are there with, whether they need help or if you should call someone.